The Legacy of Longdale Manor - by Carrie Turansky (Paperback)

A hundred years apart, this dualtime story of betrayal, forgiveness and love is woven through the hearts of its endearing characters. Two determined heroines seek to understand the truth behind their father’s past decisions and gain the spiritual wisdom to navigate their futures. Amidst the romantic storyline (there are swoony heroes as well) are glimpses of life in the Lake District, including the vast Longdale Manor estate and a quaint sheep farm mixed with the culture and the customs of the day. I liked this story, both timelines, and how they were woven together. I enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Amy Scanlon. Her accent and diction added an authentic flair to the story. This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.

This is a split-time story taking place one hundred years apart in England's Lake District. In 2012, Gwen is being sent for an extended period of time to the Lake District to do penance for the horrible mistake she made at the prestigious company her grandfather owns. She is to go through a vast manor home, and appraise family possessions for auction. The owner, Lily is hoping to make enough money to cover the repairs and renovations of the home. During her time there, Lilly shows Gwen a diary kept by Charlotte in 1912. Gwen is fascinated with it, and can't put it down. While there, she wants to solve the mystery of who her father is. Gwen only has a first name, and the possibility that he and her mom were married in the Lake District area. Gwen hopes she does a good enough appraisal job that she will get back in her grandfather's good graces, and make lots of money for Lilly and her grandson. In 1912, Charlotte's father died suddenly, and left her mother and siblings penniless. As they scramble to find a way to rebuild their lives, the family ends up in the Lake District living uncomfortably with a family friend. While cleaning out her father's things, Charlotte discovers he was living a secret life. If her mother finds out, Charlotte thinks it will kill her. Both of these clean tales tell their own story, but intertwine at the same time. There is mystery, shocking truths, and some budding romance. Characters in both tales are faced with situations that involve forgiveness, and if that is possible. Fans of well-written stories that keep you on the edge of your seat will enjoy this five-star book. Thank you, Bethany House Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

Carrie Turansky has written a wonderful novel of love and forgiveness in The Legacy of Longdale Manner. I loved everything about this story. Through rich detail and relatable characters, the author takes the reader on a journey filled with faith, sweet romance, family bonds, and the freedom found in forgiveness. Set in 2012 and Edwardian 1912 in England's beautiful lake district, our two heroines both endure loss and heartache that leads them on a journey of faith and love. Gwen Monroe arrives at Longdale Manor to appraise the art and antiques of an old family friend. It's here, at Longdale Manor, where she discovers the diary of a young woman named Charlotte Harper. A hundred years may separate the two women, but the discovery of a family secret connects the two forever. The Legacy of Longdale Manor is a lovely historical romance that will capture your attention and tug at your heart. Emotional and beautiful, this author's story is sure to be your next favorite read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky is a beautifully written split-time novel set in England. This is my first time reading this author, and I love her style and voice. The beauty of the Lake District is captured in the descriptions of both Longdale Manor and Valley View Farm. I yearned to walk the peaceful gardens of Longdale Manor or check on the lambing ewes in the pastures of Valley View. Just being in the pages of this book is a relaxing retreat! But on top of that is a wonderful story of two women, Gwen from 2012 and Charlotte from 1912, who find themselves questioning their roots while trying to find footing in their future. It would be impossible for me to tell you which woman’s story I liked best because I thoroughly enjoyed walking with them through hard times in their life and watching their faith move them in new directions. It’s hard to put into words all the qualities of this story that I loved without giving too much away, but this book, for me, was a breath of fresh air. Yes, there was plenty of tension, grief, and drama, but the way Gwen and Charlotte worked through their problems was so natural and inspirational that I couldn’t leave their story for long. I couldn’t quit cheering for them. And I definitely won’t be forgetting them anytime soon! Overall, I absolutely loved The Legacy of Longdale Manor. (I recommend it as your next read!) I was given a copy of this book from the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Isn’t this a pretty cover? Love the old journal which plays an important role in the story. The Legacy of Longdale Manor is a solid dual timeline with a practical faith thread and journey of forgiveness woven throughout. Father figures and the impact they have on families is a strong theme as well as continuing to trust in God during times of trial. In her new position at Hill and Morris, Gwen Morris makes a costly mistake evaluating a painting. Her grandfather, who is also her boss, sends her away on a new assignment which leads to intriguing discoveries about a young woman named Charlotte Harper from 1912. Gwen spends time at Longdale Manor in England’s Lake District which makes for a lovely setting. (I’d love to go to England!!!) The overall writing style didn’t have a very English feel to me though. Didn’t keep me from being entertained by all the family drama, wholesome romance, and seeing how the lives of two women from different centuries connect in the end. This was my first read by Carrie Turansky, so I’ll have to check out more of her books. I received a paperback arc from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Having read a number of this author's books I was excited to read The Legacy of Longdale Manor. It is a captivating dual-time historical romance. Two young women from different centuries are linked by a crumbling estate and a journal. Charlotte and Gwen are realistic and relatable, both with difficult situations to journey through. Turansky has penned a beautiful story that looks not only at the renovation of ancient estates but the restoration of relationships. Readers who enjoy historical romance novels will not want to miss this one. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

This dual timeline novel follows the budding romance between Gwen Morris, junior specialist for art history and antiques, and David Bradford whose business converts historic estates into hotels, spas, and multi-unit apartments in 2012, and between Charlotte Harper and Ian Storey in 1912. Both Gwen and Charlotte have been betrayed in a way that impacts their ability to trust their hearts to others, and both are fortunate enough to have spiritual mentors that gently teach them how to forgive. This story unfolds in a beautiful way, as Gwen gets to know Charlotte from a journal Charlotte's family has saved and cherished. These women's stories exemplify how faith can be nurtured through adversity. This story is set in England's Lake District, and the author masterfully portrays its beauty without lengthy descriptive paragraphs that slow stories down. Rather as her characters interact in this environment she lets the readers live the sites, sounds, smells, and tastes of the villages and countrysides. I recommend The Legacy of Longdale Manor to fans of historical and dual timeline stories, to those who love stories of faith, and to those who are struggling with forgiveness. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I'm a fan of this author's historical romance novels but this newest book gave me an added treat. The Legacy of Longdale Manor has two stories that are set in London, but one takes place in 1912 and the other in 2022. Two couples, 100 years apart, experience life in a beautiful English manor, and I loved how their stories became intertwined. There are secrets to uncover, a 100-year-old journal that may offer answers, and an inspirational theme of trust and forgiveness. Relatable characters, a beautiful setting, and a surprising connection between the two heroines made this a book to enjoy and savor! Turansky's first venture into writing a dual-timeline novel is a great read and I recommend it to all who enjoy Christian fiction! I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

What a beautiful and heart-tugging story!! Set in England in the beautiful Lake District, this dual timeline novel unites the story of two struggling women one century apart 1912-2012. I have to say I was captivated from page one until the end! In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris, still recovering from a professional setback that almost costs her her job, is sent to Lake District by her boss -and grandfather- to appraise the antiques of an old friend of his. At Longdale Manor, she meets David Bradford, the owner’s grandson, who is desperate to save his grandmother’s crumbling legacy by turning the estate into a luxury hotel. By selling the antiques, they might have the funds to make the remodeling and much needed repairs. During Gwen’s stay at the Manor, she uncovers an old journal from a century ago and a carved shepherd’s staff similar to one in the only picture she has of her parents together: the image of the father that her recently deceased mother never talked about and she has never met. Can this journal and this old Manor take her to find out who her father is or was? In 1912, Charlotte Harper uncovers a terrible family secret after her father’s death. She cannot tell her mother or siblings, so she confesses her deeper feelings to her journal. With her mother and sister, she travels to Lake District to stay on a family’s friend sheep farm, hoping that eventually they can find a home at Longdale Manor, her mother’s childhood home where Charlotte’s estranged grandfather lives. But old wounds are hard to heal. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey, he helps her rebuild her shattered faith. But can she ever trust to love a man when her own father failed her family in the most hurtful way? Wow! This was a story that touched my heart in different ways! I haven’t read that many, but I’ve come to love dual timeline novels, and Carrie Turansky crafts a magnificent one, with an intricate plot, solid relatable characters, and an inspiring message behind it! A work of art! Both timelines captivated me. Particularly the historical one, since I’m an historical novel fan, but the contemporary was so engaging too: the mystery about Gwen’s father intrigued and made me root for her to find out her true origins. The characters were lovable and relatable at the same time: I relate to characters that are flawed, because we all are. Gwen was dealing with the aftermath of an important mistake in her professional career, trying to recover her prestige at her grandfather’s antique appraisal business. I thought she was strong and humble as she strived to improve her work and to learn from her mistakes. Her search for her father’s identity tore at my heart and made me admire her strong determination to find him, in spite of the big possibility of a disappointment. I loved how David supported her in this. And how they both helped each other in different ways. Then Charlotte’s story was heart-tugging too! The betrayal and disappointment of her father, the estranged situation with their mother’s family, being homeless… She was strong and resilient, and I found it understandable for her faith to be shaken. But the way Ian helps her solidify her faith again and how she discovers -as well as Gwen- the great gift of forgiveness was a sight to behold. God’s forgiveness for our sins, and how He gives us the grace to forgive others because of love. Charlotte and Ian’s romance was sweet too! The family drama is high at times, yet it was masterfully resolved until the end, with unique twists that made it all the more engaging. All in all, a beautiful double story of heartbreak, healing, forgiveness and unconditional love! I highly recommend it to anyone! I think this kind of book is for all the tastes, because it has a bit of everything: sweet romance, character growth, mystery and intrigue, family drama, and a faith thread that is thought provoking and will inspire you and make you want to change for good! A must read!

Set in England’s lovely Lake District with a brilliantly executed dual timeline toggling between two time periods, 1912 and 2012, this book drew me in from the beginning and kept me reading expectantly to the end. The two equally captivating, interwoven story lines complement each other and combine to make a harmonious, satisfying read. Wonderfully crafted characters captured my heart and kept me firmly invested in the outcome. I especially appreciate the gentle faith thread that is woven throughout the book as both heroines struggle with issues of forgiveness and trust. I highly recommend this book for fans of Christian historical fiction who favor a little mystery, light romance, and lots of inspiration. I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“Two women–a century apart–embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance,” states the Amazon description of Carrie Turansky’s novel, The Legacy of Longdale Manor. ~ What ~ This three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page paperback targets those interested in an English split-time Christian historical fiction with romance. The topics of adultery, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. As an advance reader copy, the book’s ending includes an author’s note, acknowledgments, ten discussion questions, and a biography with advertisements. In this tale of restoration and romance, Gwen, a young art appraiser, is sent by her grandfather to Longdale Manor to price antiques and paintings. There she finds an old journal of Charlotte’s, a woman keeping a family secret. With Gwen also having issues with her own father who she never met, both women must learn how to forgive others before they can love again. ~ Why ~ I enjoy novels that have beautiful descriptions of old mansions and their landscapes, and Turansky handles the task well. The relationships between the two female protagonists and their newfound loves are tender and believable. How each woman dealt with the past and moved on is pivotal to the story. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ might not care for the prayers or Bible reference of the prodigal son and his father. Others may not like stories of split-time due to the multiple characters. I found the tale a little slow and anticlimactic in its resolutions of the women coming to terms with their fathers. ~ Wish ~ Since there are two time periods involved, it would be nice to include a list of characters, keeping the century apart. ~ Want ~ If you like historical romances about forgiving one another while protecting family, this is an enjoyable read. I received a review copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

'The Legacy of Longdale Manor' is Carrie Turansky's first attempt at writing a dual-timeline novel and what a lovely accomplishment! Although the stories are 100 years apart she has flawlessly interwoven beautiful settings and intertwined captivating characters whose lives somehow touch one another. Both heroines in each timeline are beset with secrets and difficult choices that haunt them—AND handsome, unpredictable men in their lives. For different reasons each strong, yet vulnerable damsel has trust issues—and rightfully so. Perhaps many an answer to their inner healing may be found in a one-hundred-year-old journal. 'The Legacy Of Longdale Manor' is a truly memorable novel that kept me on tenterhooks the entire time—replete with unforeseeable events, romance, forgiveness, and redemption. Beautifully written, Carrie Turansky! “Time is fleeting, the days fade fast. Treasure faith and family, only they will last." *I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a favorable review.*